Aberdeen 0-2 St Johnstone: Visitors boost survival hopes with vital win
- Published
Nicky Clark has converted his last six penalties
St Johnstone had "all the right answers" as they ended a four-game losing streak with victory at Aberdeen to extend Neil Warnock's winless start in the Scottish Premiership.
Nicky Clark's penalty put the visitors ahead at the break before Benjamin Kimpioka's breakaway goal earned a comfortable cushion.
Craig Levein's 10th-place side are now behind Aberdeen only on goal difference, with both sides four points clear of the relegation play-off spot and five off the top six.
"There was questions asked after the game at the weekend [2-0 defeat at St Mirren] but they came up with all the right answers tonight," Levein told BBC Scotland.
"They're an honest bunch and last week was more than a blip for us, it was embarrassing at times. They recognised that and took the comments on board. They've gone out tonight and won the fight.
"Hopefully this is us on a different path to the one it looked like we were on after the St Mirren game."
Much was made pre-match about the two managers in the dugouts. Two wily old campaigners, both brought in to rescue sides that were sleepwalking in the wrong direction.
In recent weeks, it's not been working for either. While Levein's Saints enjoyed an initial bounce, Warnock's interim Aberdeen tenure has quickly fallen flat and he is now without a league victory after five attempts.
Levein had predicted this game could be more of a fight than a football match, but both sides had early chances. Aberdeen striker Bojan Miovski dragged wide when one-on-one, while Clark chested the ball straight at home goalkeeper Kelle Roos from five yards out.
St Johnstone's penalty, while unlucky for Aberdeen, was probably deserved on the balance of the first half. Ryan McGowan's back-post header struck the flailing arm of Richard Jensen, and Clark tucked away the spot-kick coolly.
Warnock got a decent reaction from his side after half-time. Leighton Clarkson had two chances when played in behind, while Jonny Hayes drove one inches wide.
Dimitar Mitov was responsible for keeping St Johnstone ahead. He did almost chuck one in before clawing it off the line, but then denied Stefan Gartenmann from point-blank range.
All the visitors could do was launch the ball long to Kimpioka - and eventually it worked. Gartenmann misjudged a header, allowing the Swedish striker to race clear and double the lead.
Player of the match - Dimitar Mitov (St Johnstone)
The confidence that he gives the St Johnstone defence is priceless. Not without a nervy moment, but generally assured
Dismal Dons bereft of confidence as Saints pounce - analysis
The appointment of Warnock looks more and more like a misstep with every passing game.
Every experiment only concocts further befuddlement in the Aberdeen rearguard. The constant tinkering has left them without a coherent plan, looking clueless all over the pitch.
The hosts did have plenty of chances but at no point did they look clinical enough to finish them - even Miovski lacked conviction despite his goal tally this season.
St Johnstone however, were certain of the task at hand. They carried out their roles well, their tactics undid Aberdeen, and they rightfully returned to Perth with all three points.
Aberdeen are sinking like a stone, and it looks less and less likely that Warnock is the lifeguard to keep them afloat.
What they said
Aberdeen 'won't win another game' if form continues
Aberdeen interim manager Neil Warnock: "I can understand the fans. I feel sorry for them, actually. They deserve better. The goals we conceded. The chances we had at 1-0, and then we concede a goal like that - a long ball over the top.
"I've never seen goals like this conceded, we have to stop that or we won't win another game. I've got to try and work with what we've got.
[Are Aberdeen in a relegation fight?] "Absolutely. At the moment, you can't see us winning another game. We have to start scoring goals and stop conceding stupid goals."
St Johnstone manager Craig Levein: "We stood up to be counted in every single area of the pitch. It was a real team performance and a real fillip for us.
"I'm only focusing on Saturday now and we'll need to bring that type of performance. If we do, we'll have a chance of taking something from the game [against Livingston]."
What's next?
Aberdeen visit St Mirren on Saturday while St Johnstone welcome Livingston (both 15:00 GMT).